Re: SHA1 - set initial key/state?

>
>  Hi Folks,
>
>  I may be missing something in my use of the SHA1 algorithm, I am
>  hoping you can explain it to me.
>
>  I have an unencrypted string, I make a function call like:
>  my_sha1_object.calculateDigest(outputdigest, inputstring, length);
>
>  No problems there, my digest is created.
>
>
>  However, I am sending this information across a socket, so I'm
>  thinking that anyone can snoop my unencrypted string,
>  and assuming they were also using cryptopp sha algorithm, they would
>  easily be able to recreate the same digest.
>
>  Am I wrong in thinking this is insecure - am I thinking about this
>  incorrectly?
>
>  I've been wondering if there is some way to initialise the "state" of
>  the sha object with our own key/values, which would be secure, and
>  unrepeatable.
>
>  I have looked in to the sha1.InitState function - this retrieves the
>  intial state - but how do you set it?
>
>  Is the "transform" function what I am after? There is no documentation/
>  usage guide/examples or even comments (or my google-fu is weak!) for
>  either InitState or Transform functions.
>  So, what are they for, and do they do what I want?
>
>  thanks!
>
>
>  Nick Aschberger
>